New Light Shed on Courtenay Place Park
A large paved area for markets or performances, stylish new seating, a stormwater system that waters 30 recently-planted trees and spaces dedicated to the exhibition of art are all part of Courtenay Place Park, to be officially opened by Mayor Kerry Prendergast tomorrow night (Friday 2 May).
A large paved area for markets or performances, stylish new seating, a stormwater system that waters 30 recently-planted trees and spaces dedicated to the exhibition of art are all part of Courtenay Place Park, to be officially opened by Mayor Kerry Prendergast tomorrow night (Friday 2 May).
Mayor Prendergast says the park will improve the quality of public space in the Courtenay Place area.
"Courtenay Place Park has long been an important part of the Council's vision to increase the number of parks in the CBD. We're giving Wellingtonians and visitors a high-profile public space to be proud of and to enjoy, and I'm sure this will really enhance their experience of the city," says Mayor Prendergast.
The park includes a unique public art exhibition space in New Zealand, with purpose-built, 3-metre tall light boxes designed to display visual art.
"Wellingtonians will also be pleased to know that the park's design is consistent with our vision of becoming the world's first ‘green' capital city. The light boxes use LED lights, which run far longer and use less electricity than their fluorescent equivalent, and we're recycling the park's stormwater for the good of its trees," adds Mayor Prendergast.
Eight Wellington artists: Andy Palmer, John Lake, Victoria Birkinshaw, Shaun Lawson, Amelia Handscomb, Steve Rowe, Jessica Silk and Clare Noonan have all contributed photography to the inaugural exhibition - Flanerie and Figments.
John Lake is thrilled with the chance to exhibit to such a large audience. "Whether you are just walking by or gazing out a bus window, you will have plenty of time to check out the exhibition. It is a great opportunity for us as early-career artists to have so many people seeing our work," he says.
Mayor Prendergast says new artworks will be exhibited every six months, chosen by the Council's Public Art Panel.
"The first exhibition is intended to encourage people to consider how they use and understand their city, and it will be my pleasure to unveil another space to add to the city's diverse public art," she says.
The park opening begins at 6.00pm at the Jimmy Bar on Courtenay Place, which will include the launch of Flanerie and Figments.
Related Links
Courtenay Place Park
Environment
Public Art